DSM Dyneema wins significant patent case in Israel

The Netherlands, 23 February 2017 - DSM Dyneema, the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber, has prevailed after a long-lasting challenge in Israel of one of its key patents. An Israeli firm — the publicly held FMS Enterprises Migun Ltd. of Tel Aviv — had been trying to prevent the issuance of this patent through a series of opposition proceedings and appeals.

On Jan. 24th 2017 an Israeli District Court affirmed a previous decision of the Israeli Patent Office dismissing FMS’ claims. The ruling once again demonstrates the strength of DSM Dyneema’s Intellectual Property portfolio and innovations and confirms DSM Dyneema's position as an innovator in the field of high strength fibers and ballistic resistant material solutions. The decision clears the way for grant of a patent to DSM Dyneema on highly oriented polyethylene fibers with amongst others a defined amount of solvent, and the technique for producing them. These fibers lead to improved performance of end-use applications including ropes and ballistic resistant products. This decision is in-line with the grant of corresponding patents to DSM Dyneema in other global jurisdictions, such as the US, China and Europe.

The ruling recognizes DSM Dyneema's high quality and unique contribution to human knowledge in the field of fiber technology, and in particular the field of technologies that enable ballistic resistant life saving products.

“Innovation and patents are cornerstones of DSM Dyneema’s business strategy. DSM Dyneema has consistently and rigorously defended its Intellectual Property on many occasions, and will continue to do so. It has successfully secured this same patent in several countries, and the patent has proven its relevance for protecting both DSM’s and its customers’ businesses”, said Golnar Motahari Pour, President of DSM Dyneema.

Notes for editors

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fiber branded as Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fiber floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel. Furthermore the new generation Dyneema® Fabrics offer next level innovations in denim, apparel, footwear, sports equipment and lightweight outdoor products and accessories.

UHMWPE products from DSM Dyneema are produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands), Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.) and Mesa, Arizona (U.S.A). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.

DSM - Bright Science. Brighter Living.™

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in life sciences and materials sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 25,000 employees. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

Dyneema® and Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™ are trademarks of DSM. Use of these trademarks is prohibited unless strictly authorized.